Autopsy report for missing Colorado girl Jonelle Matthews | 9news.com
Updated: 1:46 PM MDT June 19, 2020
A crew excavating an area in rural Weld County for a pipeline near Weld County Roads 49 and 34 1/2 found bones on July 23, 2019. Based on evidence found at the scene, which included some clothing and a skull with dental work, investigators determined they belonged to Jonelle.
Over the following two days, the bones were examined, according to the autopsy report released Friday. The report noted that the remains were received in a body bag and were wrapped in a white bed sheet, and that the bones were mixed with dirt and debris. The bones were separated and X-rays were taken, but results of any testing or findings from the autopsy are redacted from the report.
The bones were then provided to a
forensic anthropologist for a more
thorough examination.
Unredacted autopsy report: Jonelle Matthews killed with single gunshot wound to the head – Greeley Tribune
Oct 16, 2020
The report describes the discovery of Matthews’ remains July 23, 2019, at an oil and gas site about one quarter of a mile northwest of Weld County roads 49 and 34 1/2. After field workers excavating land for oil and gas lines found the remains, which were clothed, according to the unredacted report. The remains were taken to McKee Medical Center for examination.
Jonelle was pronounced dead at 6:48 p.m. July 23, 2019, according to the report. Michael Burson, a
forensic pathologist, and Karen Jazowski, autopsy assistant, performed the postmortem examination. The unredacted report offers an analysis for a single gunshot wound to the skull.
“Internal structures” were not available for examination due to the prolonged postmortem interval and decomposition.
A bullet entered the left frontal bone of the skull, about 1.3 inches below the top of the head and about 1.4 inches left of the midline. The bullet exited out of the left occipital bone, downward at the back of the head. Based on the trajectory of the wound, the bullet perforated and lacerated the entire left cerebral hemisphere, from the frontal lobe to the occipital lobe.
“Based on the history provided and the autopsy findings, the cause of death is a gunshot wound to the head,” the report states. “The manner of death is homicide.”
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I think it's incredible that JM was found after so many years! I agree SP very well could have shot JM after kidnapping her and/or when she tried to escape -- knowing she could identify him.
While the internal structures were not available for examination, I believe the expertise of the forensic anthropologist and forensic pathologist will provide clear evidence that SP is responsible for JM's death. This was no accidental shooting!
MOO